Crime & Safety
Officials: Edgewater Blaze Started from Blowtorch During Plumbing Repairs
Officials also believe construction methods likely accelerated the fire and state officials will determine if building codes were followed.
Authorities say the fire that devastated an Edgewater apartment complex, displacing a thousand, was started when a blowtorch was used to fix a leaking pipe.
Maintenance workers were doing plumbing repairs with a blowtorch in the four-story Avalon complex when the fire broke out and waited 15 minutes to call 911 after trying to put the fire out themselves, NorthJersey.com reported.
Officials also believe construction methods likely accelerated the fire and Gov. Christie said state officials will determine if building codes were followed or not, according to NorthJersey.com.
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The blaze broke out late Wednesday afternoon and quickly escalated, resulting in the Mayor declaring a State of Emergency and schools closing Thursday. More than 500 firefighters from 35 different departments responded to the blaze, which was said to be under control by 11 p.m.
The American Red Cross and the Bergen County Humane Society have set up shelters for the 500 residents who lived in The Avalon and 502 residents who were evacuated from nearby buildings that, although safe, are in need, Pix11 reported.
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“The American Red Cross and Edgewater city agencies have opened the Edgewater Community Center, located at 1167 River Road, to displaced residents,” according to Pix11. Many are also staying at the Comfort Inn, located at 725 River Road in Edgewater, and bringing their pets to the American Legion, which has been set up as a temporary shelter by the Bergen County Humane Society.
Residents wanting to help by donating clothing, food or funds, can call the Comfort Inn at 201-943-3131 or visit EdgewaterStrong.org, where they can donate funds to aid the families in need.
More on the Edgewater Blaze:
- UPDATE: 1,000 Displaced Edgewater Residents Safe, But in Need After Blaze
- WATCH: State-Of-Emergency As Five-Alarm Blaze Still Rages At Edgewater Apartment Complex
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